W Track & Field

Dalton returns to lead Tornado cross country teams

Jun 18, 2013

BRISTOL, Tenn. – Director of Athletics David Hicks announced earlier today that Peter Dalton will return to King University as the head coach of the men's and women's cross country teams, six weeks after departing King for a position on the coaching staff at Lipscomb University.

"Peter is one of the top distance coaches in the country," said Hicks. "When he contacted me about the possibility of returning to King, it was a very easy decision. I'm extremely excited that he will continue to lead our cross country programs."

Under Dalton's leadership, the King track and field and cross country teams rose to regional and national success over the past three seasons. The Tornado won four Conference Carolinas championships and made two NCAA Championship appearances as a team, with several other individual qualifiers.

Amanda Williamson, who was named head track and field and Cross country coach on June 4, will remain as the head coach of the men's and women's track and field programs.

"Amanda is one of the top track athletes in the history of King track and field," said Hicks. "She has spent the past three seasons as an assistant coach with a very successful program, and our search committee overwhelmingly believes she is the right person to lead our men's and women's track and field programs. This situation has not changed that fact. I'm excited about the future of our track and field programs under her leadership."

"Having separate head coaches for track and field and cross country will allow Peter and Amanda to each focus on their strengths, and will be a huge benefit for our student-athletes and our track and field and cross country programs," Hicks continued.

Williamson is excited about the opportunity to focus on track and field, while having Dalton continue to be an integral part of training the distance runners. "I am glad to have Coach Dalton back to head up our cross country program. With him heading up cross country, I can now put all my focus on track and field."

Regarding the transition to Lipscomb and return to King, Dalton expressed excitement at returning to the program he developed into one of the best in the country. "King is a great institution and the move just really didn't fit well for my career and family," commented Dalton. "I realized moving was not the best option for me or my family, and King was gracious enough to welcome me back. I'm excited to focus on the distance and cross country program here at King. I know Coach Williamson will do a great job leading the track and field squads"

Dalton will also serve as the assistant track and field coach, focusing on the distance program, while Williamson will support the cross country programs as assistant coach.